Anthony "Tony" Ruggiero

Anthony “Tony” Ruggiero, 83, of Fremont, OH passed away on August 26, 2024 at his home. He was born on April 17, 1941 in Gibsonburg, OH the youngest child of Salvatore and Maria (Reino) Ruggiero. Tony was a 1959 graduate of Gibsonburg High School and received his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. Tony was a member of the 1959 National Championship Football Team at Bowling Green State University and also played on the BGSU baseball team. 

Tony married his high school sweetheart, Janet Beier, on September 21, 1962. They had two daughters in Fremont before moving to Plymouth, Michigan where Tony began his career for the Ford Motor Company. He worked in Industrial Relations at Ford for over forty years until he retired. He and Jan shared a wonderful, loving life together traveling the country, making memories with friends and family, and welcoming grandchildren. Their life together was ultimately cut too short when she preceded him in death on November 12, 1999. Tony eventually moved back to Fremont to be closer to his family.

Upon moving back to Fremont, he married Ruthann (Collier) Mayle on June 10, 2005.  Tony was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, both as a parishioner as well as in the church choir. He was also a member the Fremont Outing Club and always looked forward to cooking his annual Italian dinner. He enjoyed making wine, spending time with his family and friends, golfing, and attending BGSU football games. He also loved cheering on his granddaughters in all their athletic endeavors and could always be seen sporting their teams’ hats, shirts or sweatshirts. Tony’s true loves in life were his two daughters, seven granddaughters and one great granddaughter – to his granddaughters he was affectionately known as Bompie. He was a generous man who deeply loved his family and was a true example of servant leadership and unwavering faith through the trials and tribulations of life.

Tony is survived by his wife, Ruthann Ruggiero, Fremont; children, Reggie (Dan) Paradiso, Columbus, OH, Annette (Peter) Dyke, Littleton, CO; grandchildren, Domini (Ryan) Clark, Michela Paradiso, Chiara (Nathan) Brown, Giavanna Paradiso, Vincenza Paradiso, Camryn (Luke) Novak and Coriana Dyke; great granddaughter, Rosario Clark; sister, Susie Rusher, Gibsonburg, OH.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet Ruggiero; siblings, Patsy, Nick and Carmen Ruggiero, Jeff Hoffman and Mary Benner.

Tony also loved spending time with the Mayle family. He made many wonderful memories over the years. He is survived by Ruthann’s children, Sherrie (Craig) Foerstner, Anne (Matt) White, Mike (Diana) Mayle, and Catherine (Aaron) Smith; grandchildren, Grace (Connor) Outcalt, Seth Foerstner, Audrey White, Isaac White, Ian White, Cole Mayle, Chase Mayle, Lucy Smith, and Griffin Smith; great grandchildren, Ella and Brooks Outcalt.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH. Rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 30, 2024; 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St., Fremont, OH.

Burial will take place on Tuesday, September 3, 2024; 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery Columbarium 

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Bowling Green State University Athletic Department, St. Joseph Catholic Church or Bishop Hoffman Catholic Schools.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.whhfh.com